It’s important to have the correct knowledge in order to ask the correct questions. That’s true of all debates, including an ongoing discussion over the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed new regulations on wood-burning stoves.

While the Missouri Legislature and many local lawmakers have decried it as government intrusion, many of their arguments are leaping beyond the world of facts where the rest of us live.

The EPA is not trying to strip you of your ability to heat your home as you choose.

This is an important piece of information to understand. These proposed regulations to reduce emissions from wood-burning and wood-fired home heating units are limited to newly-constructed units. Existing units in homes today would only be subjected to the existing efficiency regulations (which were passed in 1988, before we began referring to electronic correspondence as “e-mail”). Other things - both existing and newly-constructed - like outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, pizza ovens and indoor fire places are also not included.

The EPA is trying to ensure we have breathable air in the future and based on our evolving understanding of the atmosphere, this is one step they’re suggesting as a way to help that goal.

These emissions have been cited as a public health risk. The EPA says wood-burning stoves account for 13 percent of soot pollution in the U.S. The American Lung Association says the particulate matter in those emissions is linked to heart attacks and strokes, and aggravates asthma.

Some states where wood-burning stoves are very popular have already taken action. Washington and New York states have imposed more strict regulations. In Utah, air quality concerns led to residents in five counties being banned from using wood-burning stoves in the month of December.

Regardless of your position, this is an issue that deserves attention. We encourage you to take part in this debate. Research the issue. Find factual information and reach an informed opinion. Share your thoughts with your elected officials. Contact the EPA.